Last Updated on March 11, 2025
Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced a series of significant changes to Express Entry’s category-based selection. These updates include:
- Introduction of a new Education category
- Removal of the Transport category
- Expanded Healthcare category with additional social service occupations
- Changes to eligible occupations across various categories
These modifications are designed to align with Canada’s evolving labor market needs and ensure skilled professionals in priority sectors receive Invitations to Apply (ITAs) through Express Entry.
Updated Express Entry Categories for 2025
IRCC’s Express Entry system will now operate under six category-based selection streams:
| Express Entry Categories (2025) | Priority Categories (Higher Selection Focus) |
| French-language proficiency | Yes |
| Healthcare and Social Services | Yes |
| Trades | Yes |
| Education (New) | Yes |
| Agriculture and Agri-Food | No |
| Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) | No |
While all these categories remain active, four have been designated as priority categories, meaning candidates in these groups will have higher chances of receiving ITAs.
New Education Category: Who Qualifies?
One of the most significant changes in 2025 is the introduction of the Education category. This category targets skilled professionals in the education sector, addressing labor shortages in schools and early childhood education.
| Eligible Education Occupations (NOC Codes) |
| Elementary and secondary school teacher assistants (NOC 43100) |
| Instructors of persons with disabilities (NOC 42203) |
| Early childhood educators and assistants (NOC 42202) |
| Elementary school and kindergarten teachers (NOC 41221) |
| Secondary school teachers (NOC 41220) |
Changes to Eligible Occupations in Other Categories
IRCC has revised the list of eligible occupations across multiple categories, expanding some while reducing others.
Healthcare and Social Services: Expanded Selection
The Healthcare category has been broadened to include social services roles, with eight new occupations added and six occupations removed.
| Added Occupations | Removed Occupations |
| Animal health technologists (NOC 32104) | Educational counsellors (NOC 41320) |
| Cardiology technologists (NOC 32123) | Instructors of persons with disabilities (NOC 42203) |
| Dental hygienists (NOC 32111) | Kinesiologists and therapy professionals (NOC 31204) |
| Medical technologists (NOC 32129) | Other assisting health occupations (NOC 33109) |
| Pharmacists (NOC 31120) | Practitioners of natural healing (NOC 32209) |
| Pharmacy technicians (NOC 32124) | Traditional Chinese medicine practitioners (NOC 32200) |
| Social and community service workers (NOC 42201) | – |
| Social workers (NOC 41300) | – |
These changes reinforce Canada’s focus on addressing workforce gaps in healthcare and social services.
STEM Category: Reduced Eligibility
The STEM category saw 19 occupations removed, affecting professionals in architecture, software development, and engineering. Some notable removals include:
- Architects (NOC 21200)
- Software developers (NOC 21232)
- Computer engineers (NOC 21311)
- Data scientists (NOC 21211)
- Engineering managers (NOC 20010)
These changes may shift focus to other pathways for skilled workers in the tech industry.
Trades Category: Expanded Selection
The Trades category now includes 19 new occupations while removing four.
| Added Occupations | Removed Occupations |
| Heavy-duty equipment mechanics (NOC 72401) | Residential and commercial installers (NOC 73200) |
| Industrial electricians (NOC 72201) | Elevator constructors and mechanics (NOC 72406) |
| Construction managers (NOC 70010) | Machine fitters (NOC 72405) |
| Home building and renovation managers (NOC 70011) | Contractors and supervisors (NOC 72014) |
| Cooks (NOC 63200) | – |
| Painters and decorators (NOC 73112) | – |
The expanded list increases opportunities for skilled trade professionals seeking permanent residence in Canada.
Agriculture and Agri-Food Category: Minor Additions
This category now includes two additional occupations:
- Agricultural service contractors and farm supervisors (NOC 82030)
- Landscaping and horticulture services contractors (NOC 82031)
Why These Express Entry Changes Matter
IRCC selects Express Entry categories based on labor shortages and economic priorities. The Education category’s introduction highlights Canada’s need for qualified teachers, while Healthcare and Social Services expansion aligns with growing demands in these fields. The French-language proficiency category remains a key focus, supporting bilingual workforce expansion outside Quebec under the Official Languages Act. Meanwhile, the removal of Transport as an Express Entry category indicates reduced demand for skilled workers in that sector through category-based selection.
How These Changes Impact Immigration Candidates
- Higher chances for educators, healthcare professionals, and social workers: The new Education category and Healthcare expansion create more opportunities for professionals in these fields.
- Tech professionals may face challenges: With 19 STEM occupations removed, software developers, data scientists, and engineers must explore alternative immigration routes.
- Trades professionals benefit from broader eligibility: The addition of 19 trades-related occupations makes Express Entry more accessible for skilled workers in construction, electrical, and mechanical trades.
- French-speaking candidates maintain an advantage: The French-language proficiency category remains a priority, offering strong prospects for francophone applicants.
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